How Teenagers Get Addicted to Marijuana
The information in this post is based on my clinical interviews with teenagers that suffer from marijuana dependency. “I had my first hit of marijuana was in middle school, in a park near my house, hanging out, basically doing nothing. My friend took out a marijuana joint that his brother gave him for his thirteenth […]
Why Narcissists Don’t Cooperate With Social Distancing Guidelines
These days, simple tasks have become complicated. Face masks, gloves, and jars of hand sanitizer fill our coat pockets or line our closet shelves. Any discomfort caused by these burdensome new accessories is minor compared to catching or spreading the coronavirus. (See 0) With all information and warnings about preventing the spread of COVID-19, why […]
How to Heal Your Anxiety During Quarantine
Many of my patients have experienced a resurgence of anxiety and depression since the lockdown began. Critical inner voices muted for years have returned with a vengeance. Those nasty, annoying voices that are quick to promote our failings, criticize our appearance, poke holes in our confidence, and sends our anxiety through the roof. Even a […]
A Parent’s Guide to Adolescence & Anxiety
Mystified by your teenager’s behavior? Broken-hearted by the changes you see in him? It’s natural to mourn the loss of the wonder years when your kid becomes a teen. “He was so creative and playful in elementary school.” “She was always laughing and had so many friends.” “He loved family time. Now he won’t come […]
When Therapy Doesn’t Help Some Teenagers
I’ve provided psychotherapy to teenagers for 25 years… I’ve worked with them individually and in groups, in public and private schools, community centers, and in private practice. I’ve always found teenagers to remarkably receptive to therapy, especially group therapy. (See “Why Group Therapy is Best for Teenagers”) So why do so many parents report that […]
Family Communication: Guidelines for Parents
So many parents feel that their family communication is full of conflict. They cycle through the same arguments week after week, leaving everyone feeling exhausted and battle-weary. When faced with challenging or problematic behaviors in children, all parents are bound to make mistakes. The five most common are: Blaming each other for their children’s behavior. […]
Why Isn’t Therapy Helping You?
Are you frustrated with your weekly sessions and thinking of quitting therapy? Perhaps you have friends who gush about their therapist and brag about the progress that they are making. You wonder why you don’t share their excitement. (See “Is Your Therapist Helping You Enough?”) What do you do when therapy isn’t delivering results? When therapy […]